HANS HOFFMAN - A Hare In The Forest

THE ARTWORK

Hans Hoffmann’s Hare in the Forest (c. 1585) is a masterpiece of late Renaissance naturalism, showcasing his extraordinary attention to detail. The painting centers on a lifelike hare nestled in a forest, its fur meticulously rendered to convey realism. Surrounding the hare, Hoffmann skillfully incorporates intricate drawings of insects and small creatures, including beetles and butterflies, adding richness to the composition. These elements reflect his fascination with nature’s finer details and his dedication to observing the natural world with precision.

Influenced by Albrecht Dürer, particularly his famous Young Hare, Hoffmann took naturalistic art to new heights. The careful depiction of the forest’s flora and fauna creates a harmonious scene, capturing the interconnectedness of all living things. The detailed studies of insects and plants give the painting a scientific quality, contributing to Hoffmann’s legacy as a key figure in the late Renaissance movement's embrace of the natural world.

THE ARTIST

Hans Hoffmann (circa 1530–1591) was a German painter and draftsman of the late Renaissance, renowned for his nature studies, particularly his detailed depictions of animals and plants. Hoffmann was heavily influenced by the work of Albrecht Dürer, whose style and techniques he adopted and popularized, especially through copying Dürer's famous nature studies. Hoffmann’s precision in rendering textures and the natural world, from the fur of animals to the veins in leaves, showcased his remarkable skill in observation.

Hoffmann worked in Nuremberg, which was a hub for the art and science of the time, before eventually moving to Prague to serve at the court of Emperor Rudolf II. There, he became part of the court's artistic circle, known for its focus on the natural sciences and the collection of curiosities. His works, including studies of hares and other wildlife, reveal a deep appreciation for the harmony and beauty of the natural world.

One of his most famous pieces, A Hare in Forest, exemplifies his talent in blending realism with a sense of wonder. Hoffmann’s legacy lives on through his contributions to the court's artistic pursuits and his role in preserving and advancing the naturalistic style of the German Renaissance.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit